Stolen keys lead to three burglaries

Burglars broke into a car over the weekend and stole a set of keys they then used to sneak into three Medford businesses, where they took cash or, in one case, the entire cash register, police said.

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By RYAN PFEIL

MailTribune.com

By RYAN PFEIL

Posted Jun. 17, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 17, 2014 at 2:40 AM

By RYAN PFEIL

Posted Jun. 17, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 17, 2014 at 2:40 AM

» Social News

Burglars broke into a car over the weekend and stole a set of keys they then used to sneak into three Medford businesses, where they took cash or, in one case, the entire cash register, police said.

Medford police reported the burglars broke a window of a vehicle, parked at the Rogue Rock Gym, 3001 Samike Drive, during an event held during the night of Saturday, June 14. They stole a purse, which contained the keys. The keys belonged to a family member of the owner of two of the businesses targeted, authorities said.

The first burglary was reported just before 11 a.m. Sunday, June 15, at Birkenstock Footwear, 1310 Center Drive, police said. Intruders broke into the store cash register and took the money inside.

About three hours later, police responded to burglary alarms at 221 E. Main St., the location of Norris Shoes and G.E. Messinger Shoe Repair, in downtown Medford. The Norris Shoes register was opened but contained no cash, and the G.E. Messinger register was stolen completely. The burglars also ripped the burglar alarm out of the wall at the 221 E. Main St.

"That didn't bother them a lick," said Randy Geroux, G.E. Messinger owner. "They were in and out pretty fast."

No suspects have been named at this point, but Medford police said the businesses had security cameras.

"We're in the process of retrieving that (footage)," Lt. Mike Budreau said.

Geroux said the intruders didn't take any other property, and that the burglary didn't bother him too much.

"I still feel safe. I've always felt safe," he said.

Police said there have been 403 car break-ins reported in Medford through April this year, a 44 percent jump from a similar span of 2013. They recommend not storing valuables or personal items inside vehicles, especially in plain sight.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact Officer Erik Baines of Medford police at 541-770-4783.

Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or rpfeil@mailtribune.com. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil.